Relationship at the top only icy part of hot Bolts

SAN DIEGO -- The Chargers remain the NFL's hottest team, riding
a 10-game winning streak into the playoffs. What doesn't sizzle is
the relationship between coach Marty Schottenheimer and general
manager A.J. Smith.

Despite sharing the Chargers' most successful regular-season
ever, there's no bolt from the blue regarding their association. To
borrow Schottenheimer's description of his 5-12 playoff record, it
is what it is.

"We're fine," Schottenheimer said. "That's how I feel about
it."

Smith's take on their unique partnership?

"You would have to ask him," Schottenheimer said. "I'm not going
to speak for him."

Smith didn't return a call seeking comment.

In an interview with the Associated Press, Smith would not
elaborate on the relationship.

"Everything is fine," he said.

But actions are more telling than words. Schottenheimer's
contract has but one more season remaining beyond this one.

In the offseason, team president Dean Spanos summoned
Schottenheimer and Smith to his office, telling them to get along
or get out. Spanos was not available for comment Tuesday night.

And while Schottenheimer and Smith didn't share a New Year Eve's
toast, at least they aren't publicly snipping at one another.

But what about talk, of any kind, regarding an upgraded contract
for Schottenheimer? An organization that regularly extends players'
contracts through the season has offered no such dialogue of
following suit for Schottenheimer.

"They weren't 63 years old," Schottenheimer said of the
players.

Said Smith to the AP: "We make all our decisions at the end of
the year. All the coaches, everybody."

Schottenheimer and Smith are old enough to know communication is
good. But good luck catching them in conversation.

Even when sharing a room, there is an awkward feeling between
them that is difficult to ignore.

Does Schottenheimer talk with Smith?

"Yeah, from time to time," Schottenheimer said.

While the 14-2 Chargers cruise along on their good ship
lollipop, are there rough waters ahead regarding Schottenheimer and
Smith? Might a playoff run falling short of Super Bowl XLI have
Schottenheimer walking a short plank?

"You're asking the wrong guy," Schottenheimer said.

Schottenheimer said Tuesday he hasn't conversed with Smith in
six months regarding his coaching performance.

"No there hasn't been any discussions, nor do I think there
needs to be at this point and time," said Schottenheimer, one of
six NFL coaches with 200 regular-season wins. "There is a place and
time for everything, and right now for us it's trying to get ready
to win three more games."

The Chargers start that task in less than two weeks, after
earning a first-round bye as the AFC's top seed. Depending on how
the opening weekend develops, in their divisional playoff game on
Jan. 13 or Jan. 14they'll face the Chiefs, Patriots or Jets.

About the turbulence ruffling the Schottenheimer-Smith ride?
Schottenheimer shrugs it off; same goes for the lack of talk for a
fresh contract.

"I don't think there should be (talk)," Schottenheimer said.
"Absolutely not. We got work to do. Let's not put the cart in front
of the horse."

With Schottenheimer in the saddle, the Chargers bucked their
status among the NFL's dregs. Schottenheimer, with Smith's players,
directed the team to two AFC West titles in the past three years,
after the team hadn't won one since 1994.

Schottenheimer also did it with two different starting
quarterbacks in Drew Brees and Philip Rivers.

Schottenheimer's Chargers mark of 47-33, one would speculate,
would lead to a contract extension. As it stands, he is set to
become a free agent on a coaching market in which the price of
success continues to escalate after the 2007 season.

Might Schottenheimer win a Super Bowl in his first appearance
then ride off to his North Carolina home?

"I don't see that happening; I like what I do," Schottenheimer
said. "I'm not saying absolutely not, but I enjoy what I do. I got
my health. My wife is still very tolerable of my hours and one
thing or another. And the most important part is I enjoy being
among the players and coaches."

Notice he didn't say general manager?

Chargers notes

QB Philip Rivers underwent an MRI on his sprained foot, and the
results showed no structural damage. Rivers, who was injured while
being sacked in Sunday's regular-season finale, could have his
practice time compromised this week. … DE Jacques Cesaire suffered
a sprained medial collateral ligament in his knee Sunday and is the
biggest health concern heading into the playoffs. Coach Marty
Schottenheimer said Cesaire is going to try to get ready for the
playoff game in about two weeks, but Schottenheimer didn't sound
optimistic. … LB Randall Godfrey (hamstring) and DE Luis Castillo
(ankle) are expected to practice this week. Both missed the past
two games. … The team returns to practice today after having Monday
and Tuesday off. Schottenheimer said the Chargers will concentrate
on the Jets and Patriots as potential opponents, with them being
fairly up-to-speed with the Chiefs after playing them last month.
Practices will be about 90 minutes today, Thursday and Friday, with
the team off on the weekend. … According to an Associated Press
report, the Arizona Cardinals are expected to

interview Chargers offensive coordinator Cam Cameron for their
vacant head coaching job on Saturday in San Diego. Interested teams
can contact Chargers assistants this week, then not again until the
Chargers are eliminated from the playoffs.